Something to paddle

[fowlshot]

So after finding a few new places this season I would like to find some type of small watercraft to make it easier getting in to these places and hunt out of (pushed up in the grass for example). I prefer something that's not super long but still has some stability. I used to own a Wilderness Systems Ride 135 which was awesome but I sold it years ago. I currently have a 16' boat and would prefer something shorter and lighter than the Ride to make it easier to throw in and out. I know a lot of people got pirogues a year or so ago but I haven't seen a whole lot about them recently. Makes me wonder if people aren't loving them like they expected to. Plus, if they're as unstable as people say they are, I don't think it'd be a good option for getting in to from the boat while floating. I don't need anything to paddle long distance with, but the more maneuverability the better. So far I've looked at a lot of different boats such as the NuCanoe, Native Ultimate, Ride 115, Duckbill boats, Hellbender boats, pirogues, and the Creek Boats M98. Obviously these range in style and some are very different than others. I've recently liked the idea of the M98 as it looks stable and is not very expensive compared to the kayak route. I am a fan of the price point of the Ron Chapman pirogue and the Creek Boat along with the bare bones style and light weight qualities of each. Are there any other suggestions out there?

[nitro5x6's]

If you aren't sure about a pirogue ( which is a learned craft to operate) look into a Marsh Rat Magnum . very stable, low profile craft.

[YoungBuckTX]

nucanoe Classic, 10ft or spend more and get a Frontier with the cover up blind kit

[jmphil]

Lookat one of the bass pro kayaks, they are supposedly as stable as the ride and they have a layout style blind for it.

[BEAR]

I hunted with Derek, who makes the Hellbender boats, and we used his boats exclusively on the hunt. They are very nice, lightweight boats that track well, and are a breeze to handle in and out the water.

[Moonlight Hunter]

Just to clarify, are you planning to hunt out of it, or just use it for transportation to and from where you're hunting?

[DuvnDux]

I've got an M98 and M80 you are welcome to test drive if you'd like.

[fowlshot]

Moonlight - depends on the situation but if it was stable enough I would. Mainly see it being used to get away from the boat and slide up into the grass. Hope that answers your question

DuvnDux - that would be awesome. I see your location and I've got family in Irmo that I visit somewhat often. I'd appreciate an opportunity to try them out some time. I can reach out when I have an idea of the next time I'll be out that way

[c-dub]

Not sure where you’re located but I’ve also got an M98 you’re welcome to test out if you want. Also have a 12ft Poke Boat.


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[fowlshot]

I hunted with Derek, who makes the Hellbender boats, and we used his boats exclusively on the hunt. They are very nice, lightweight boats that track well, and are a breeze to handle in and out the water.

That's good to hear. Would you say it's possible to get in to one from another boat? Stability wise

[Phone Man]

Ive got a chapman, a poke boat and a marsh rat. Poke boat is awesome but spendy. Paddles great and is stable. Marsh rat is super stable but doesnt paddle that well in current, does fine in flat water. Pirogue to me is in between. only gripe i have with my chapmans are the bench/seat/floataion is too close together for me to sit on one and brace feet on the other. I have to paddle it on my knees until i find a seat option that is comfy. I also had a native ultimate 12. It was best kayak ive ever been in. Welcome to try any of mine as well.

[fowlshot]

Thanks all I appreciate the input and especially the offers to try them out. Im located in Summerville but at school in Virginia currently.

Club- didn't see your post earlier but I have family in Irmo that I frequent. Next time I'll be down that way I'll try to reach out in advance and see if you've got some time for that. Thanks again

[willk]

Pirogue to me is in between. only gripe i have with my chapmans are the bench/seat/floataion is too close together for me to sit on one and brace feet on the other.

Too close? How tall are you?

[Ghetto]

I have the Nucanoe Frontier 12. It isn’t great for two people; isn’t great for one guy paddling, and you have to be careful using a heavy battery and a trolling motor. But..it can do a little bit of everything and holds up to abuse. Overall I really like it for its flexibility.

[BEAR]

That's good to hear. Would you say it's possible to get in to one from another boat? Stability wise

Never had that option, but I would have been comfortable to attempt to stand up and paddle in it. I’m no little guy either. I would think you could transfer from one boat to this one. Just take your time and hold on.

[trkykilr]

Ive got a chapman, a poke boat and a marsh rat. Poke boat is awesome but spendy. Paddles great and is stable. Marsh rat is super stable but doesnt paddle that well in current, does fine in flat water. Pirogue to me is in between. only gripe i have with my chapmans are the bench/seat/floataion is too close together for me to sit on one and brace feet on the other. I have to paddle it on my knees until i find a seat option that is comfy. I also had a native ultimate 12. It was best kayak ive ever been in. Welcome to try any of mine as well.

Have you tried a gobbler lounger that Cabela's makes?

[Phone Man]

Have you tried a gobbler lounger that Cabela's makes?

I have not. Ill have to check one out.

[uga_dawg]

I have not. Ill have to check one out.

I have one you can try if you want to. Can even send it with mad River.

[12341234]

I have a Chapman and am happy with it. It’s the 14’, and I can put two sacks of decoys and another guy in it and paddle fine. If you push it up in the grass it is stable enough to stand up and shoot from.

[GobblerHntr]

That's good to hear. Would you say it's possible to get in to one from another boat? Stability wise

Yes

Fwiw I don't believe Derick is making these boats anymore and sold the business to another fella down in Florida and they are being called Duckbill Boats